Wedding traditions have their own peculiarities in each country. It’s very interesting to observe how they change over time. In 20th-century Great Britain, this celebration was taken quite seriously. Members of the royal family became a role model for residents of the entire country. They embodied all the traditions and customs that are established in a society. Their weddings were organised in accordance with all the cultural and art principles as well as general norms of etiquette. Most Londoners sought to recreate a similar design, fancy dress, program and traditions when celebrating their own weddings. Learn more at londonka.
A snow-white dress, the most important wedding attribute and its history
The white colour of the dress has been and remains traditional not only in London but also in many countries of Western Europe. There is an opinion that it is a symbol of innocence and purity of intentions. However, the curator of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Edwina Ehrman, refuted all fiction and stereotypes related to the bride’s outfit. A significant event that influenced the future fashion of wedding clothes took place in 1840. It was the wedding of Princess Victoria and Prince Albert. The bride was dressed in an originally designed snow-white lush dress. This Queen Victoria’s move started a new style in London that remained popular throughout the 20th century. Edwina Ehrman said that the white colour primarily symbolises the wealthy status of the bride. At that time, clothes were washed by hand and it was almost impossible to get rid of stains on light-coloured fabric. The dress was actually worn once during the celebration. Only wealthy people could afford such luxury without being bothered that a lot of money would be spent on a one-time outfit. Nevertheless, that dress looks really elegant and extremely beautiful even today. The above-mentioned information is noted by BBC News.
The royal family is an example of preserving wedding traditions and customs
Londoners paid a lot of attention to the royal family, as it became one of the city symbols. Fashion, customs, etiquette rules and many other aspects of Londoners’ social life often depended on the preferences of the royal family. Therefore, in the 20th century, people planned their weddings making a start from photos and videos of similar royal ceremonies. There, princes and princesses went to elegant halls and greeted all guests from the balconies of posh palaces.
One of the most important traditions during the wedding ceremony was taking the oath. This custom is still the highlight of every wedding. The people of Great Britain were especially surprised when Queen Elizabeth II decided to swear an oath to her beloved no matter what and promised to obey her husband. Although she perfectly understood that after her coronation, her husband would most likely obey the wife. However, it showed everyone that family values and national traditions exist outside the boundaries of politics and social status.
Peculiarities of festive clothes
Perhaps one of the most famous events for the whole of Great Britain was the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947. The post-war situation in the country was not favourable and had a negative impact on the economic sphere. But despite all the difficulties, the announcement of their engagement was a breath of fresh air for many Londoners. Such large-scale celebrations haven’t taken place in the city for a long time. That public mood influenced the bride’s outfit as well. At that time, there was a significant shortage of cloth (as with many other types of products). Nevertheless, Londoners were so eager for the festivities that they started to send the princess their cloth coupons. Although she didn’t have the right to use them, the outfit was created (at her expense). Without any exaggeration, it was one of the most beautiful dresses in the world. It became the main design project of the Norman Hartnell brand, which then became popular among famous people in Great Britain. The tailoring of the dress was completely confidential. The atelier windows were painted over and the dress itself was protected from reporters.
Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips’ wedding of 1973 was no less magnificent and solemn. Among the variety of decorations, dishes and other elements of the celebration, Londoners were most impressed by the bride’s dress. It was such an interesting and new design that there was a crazy demand for such dresses in London for several years. Interestingly, Princess Anne took part in the creation of her wedding dress personally. It was her idea to make an unusual sleeve shape. In general, the dress looked flawless, despite the fact that it was completely closed (also at the request of the bride). It was made of white silk and a long train added to the charm of the image.
The wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, which took place in 1981, is considered a luxurious event. Londoners remembered this event not only because of its cost, which was the most expensive in the history of Great Britain, but also because of the bride’s unique outfit. Forty metres of the best British silk and 10,000 pearls were used for that dress. Most of the decorations were handmade. The dress was adorned with vintage gold-thread lace. The highlight of the design was the 8-metre train. In addition, the dress’s ivory colour became a sensation. Since then, it has become one of the most popular colours in the world.
Jewellery uniqueness and sophistication
A tiara symbolises the combination of power and feminine charm. The royal family can boast of a whole collection of such jewellery. Each of them was created according to a unique design using the most expensive materials. However, this is not just an indicator of luxury and wealth. A tiara is primarily an object of historical value and preservation of family traditions. Such jewellery is passed down from mother to daughter.
Traditionally, every female member of the royal family must wear a tiara on her wedding day. The most famous is the tiara that adorned the head of Queen Elizabeth II during her wedding ceremony. It was made of yellow and white gold and laid with 488 diamonds. Then the queen’s daughter Princess Anne wore it to her own wedding and, after that, Queen Elizabeth II saw it on her granddaughter’s head. In 2020, Princess Beatrice went down the aisle in it too. One of the most expensive pieces of jewellery in the royal treasury is Princess Diana’s tiara. Its history of creation began back in 1914. Court jewellers created it for Queen Mary. The tiara was made of white gold and encrusted with diamonds. Its main feature was the presence of 19 pearls, which added sophistication and weight. Therefore, it was difficult to wear. In 1981, the tiara was presented to Princess Diana on her wedding day.